Riding a bicycle is an easy way to stay fit and get around town. Bicycling as a main source of local transportation is also beneficial for saving money and the environment. However, in the event of an injury, bicycling can become more of a headache. There are several things you can do for you and your loved ones to help avoid an accident. While many individuals take all precautionary steps, an accident is sometimes unavoidable. That is when the personal injury attorneys at Colombo Law are available to assist you in the event of an accident or incident. For a risk-free initial consultation, contact Colombo Law today.
Follow All Traffic Laws
In West Virginia, bicyclists must comply with all traffic laws, as the rules of the roadways also apply to bicycles. This requires bicyclists to ride in marked bicycle lanes whenever traveling below the posted speed limits. Where bicycle lanes do not exist, bicyclists must travel according to the normal flow of traffic and as close to the edge of the road as possible. While there are certain exceptions that allow a bicyclist to travel away from the edge of the road, this should be avoided for the safety of everyone. The law also dictates how many people can be transported on a bicycle traveling on a roadway and how they can travel.
Install and Use Safety Equipment
When riding a bicycle as a main source of travel, it is important to install and use any available safety equipment. Beneficial safety equipment includes:
- Rear view mirrors: Rear view mirrors are useful to see what is happening around you. Having rear view mirrors eliminate the need to turn one’s head completely to see what is nearby.
- Lights: Not only are lights required when driving at night, they are beneficial because they allow you to be seen. West Virginia requires all drivers to have a light in the front and a red light in the back so that other vehicles can see the bicycle.
- Helmet: Wearing a helmet on any roadway is essential in ensuring safety. Falling off of a bicycle can cause significant injuries, even in instances where the fall is minor. Whenever you or your loved ones are riding a bicycle, you want to ensure that they are wearing a helmet to protect the head from injury.
About Colombo Law
Our attorneys put safety as our number one priority. Keeping you and your loved ones safe is the surest way to protect your health and financial security. However, in the event of an accident or incident, you can rely on Colombo Law to get you or your loved ones the maximum amount of compensation for an injury.
Colombo Law assists clients located in and around West Virginia including in Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Kingwood, Grafton, Weston, Philippi, Buckhannon, Elkins, Parkersburg, Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Preston, Taylor, and Lewis county. If you have been injured in an accident or incident but are unsure of whether you have a personal injury claim, contact Colombo Law today for a risk-free initial consultation to get you or your loved one the assistance you deserve.
